Premium bottled cocktail producer Edmunds Cocktails has tightened packaging presentation and consistency across its range after installing a new heat tunnel from Sovereign Labelling Machines.
Edmunds Cocktails made its mark in the sector with the ever-growing category of ready-to-drink cocktails. But growing demand began to expose a weak point in the packaging process — the application of shrink capsules to the bottle neck, a crucial step for achieving a clean, tamper-evident finish.
Paul Mayes, Co-Founder & Operations Director at Edmunds Cocktails, explained: “As production volumes increased, we identified a bottleneck in our existing capsule application process; as our previous machine struggled with speed and limited throughput and introduced avoidable inefficiencies.
“We invested in a dedicated solution from Sovereign Labelling Machines to streamline capsule application and shrinking, removing constraints from the line and supporting our ongoing scale-up.”
The installed tamper band shrink tunnel, rated at 60ppm, integrates directly into the existing packaging line, enabling continuous bottling, labelling and neck sleeving prior to dispatch. Since commissioning, the system has been rolled out across the entire bottled cocktail range, supporting both short and long runs. The business reports improved line flow, consistent heat distribution and the elimination of previous bottle neck clearance issues.
“The solution has improved consistency and presentation of the finished product,” Mr Mayes continued, “while also increasing throughput and reducing manual intervention. Lead times are shorter, changeovers are smoother, and overall line reliability has improved, all of which directly benefits our customers.”
From the supplier perspective, Jordan Hynes, Business Development Manager at Sovereign Labelling Machines, highlighted the wider impact of packaging performance. “When smaller, independent brands are faced with labelling and sleeving challenges, this results in a material impact on their ability to serve customers effectively. Even something as ‘simple’ as a tamper-evident neck sleeve can have a big impact.
“For Edmunds Cocktails, these challenges threatened to curtail their growth trajectory, so it was essential for them to upgrade their packaging line capability.
“We are delighted that our solutions have allowed the brand to overcome neck sleeving challenges and get back to what they do best; mixing delicious ready-to-drink bottled cocktails that consumers can enjoy when they are at home, with friends, or when they are out.
“I look forward to seeing – and tasting – Edmunds Cocktails, complete with their high-quaity neck sleeves.”
Edmunds Cocktails are made by blending spirits, juices, syrups and aromatics into bar-quality serves, all hand blended, bottled and labelled in-house before being supplied to restaurants, bars and consumers.
Mr Mayes was similarly pleased with the partnership and added: “The machine build quality is excellent, and the installation and commissioning process was smooth. Service levels have been strong throughout, with clear communication and fast response times.
“Jordan in particular has been great to work with. He is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in making sure the solution worked perfectly for our operation.
“We’re extremely happy with the solution and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sovereign Labelling Machines to other growing drinks producers looking to scale efficiently.”
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